Reference: Amber Wilhoit, RD/LD, NSCA- CPT
In the 1950’s, a hamburger and fries order would be half to one third the size of its current counterpart. The same could be argued for people. With 60% of the population overweight or obese, it is easy to look at the average American and think that you are at a healthy weight. Tools such as BMI, waist circumference, and lean body mass measurements can give you a more objective idea of your health.
To measure progress in your overall health picture at any weight, get regular check-ups and be an informed consumer--i.e. do you know which cholesterol number that you would like to see high (HDL) and low (LDL and Triglycerides), do you know what your blood pressure is and what your fasting blood sugars are?
To feel your best, exercise and eat healthfully; if you don’t know how to do either well, seek the help of a professional. Overweight and obesity lead to a myriad of health problems, so to avoid these, do things that keep weight down. Study after study show that those who are successful in achieving true health and healthy weights are those who do a combination of diet and exercise.
Lifestyle exercise and diet changes are key. Exercising on and off, or the latest fad diet are usually unsuccessful over the long term.
As a society we have moved away from the true meaning of diet and it has become a negative word. We should look back to gain some insight on how we should be eating, and moving. We have made incredible progress in many ways since the 1950’s and few would want to go back; however, in this case looking back might be a great way to move forward when it comes to finding a healthy weight again.